Abingdon Pharmacy Targeted In Botched Smash-And-Grab ATM Theft
ABINGDON, Md. (WJZ) -- An Abingdon pharmacy was targeted in a smash-and-grab ATM theft early Tuesday morning, but the would-be thieves left empty handed, authorities said.
About 4 a.m., deputies were called to a crash at the Walgreens near Abingdon and Emmorton roads, the Harford County Sheriff's Office said. Upon arrival, deputies found a vehicle had smashed into the store, leaving behind a trail of damage.
"I came here to pick up some photographs we printed out for the holidays and I noticed that the whole front of the building was gone," Michael Muffoletto of Abingdon said. "I asked the gentleman at the door if somebody had smashed it in to try to get to the ATM. He said, 'Yes, they did.'"
"I think it's pathetic," Ken Cameron of Abingdon said. "I really do. It's an inconvenience to the people that depend on this store and It's uncalled for. It needs to be stopped."
Based on a preliminary investigation, deputies determined that four men backed a silver van into the business and tried to take the ATM. Unable to remove it, the men drove away.
"They spent about a minute inside the Walgreens trying to pick up the ATM to try to get it into their work van," Colonel William Davis of the Harford County Sheriff's Office said. "They were not able to do so and then shortly after they fled the scene."
At least one employee was inside at the time, but no one was hurt.
The van, which was reported stolen out of Baltimore City, was later recovered less than a half-mile away near the corner of Brooks Avenue and Porter Drive, deputies said.
Tuesday's incidents marks the latest in a string of similar smash-and-grab thefts and attempted thefts that have played out recently in the Baltimore area.
"When we apprehend these suspects, our State's Attorney up here will certainly be prosecuting these people to the fullest," Col. Davis said. "To make sure they don't do this here in our county."
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Harford County Sheriff's Office at 443-409-3562.